California agent supports local Relay For Life
Kim Meehan, personal lines manager and office manager for the agency, has been involved with the event since 2011. Here, Meehan talks about how Relay For Life helps many employees of Kelley, Jiggins & Associates make a positive impact in the lives of those suffering from cancer.
Like so many people, my family has been touched by cancer. Two of my grandparents, my mother-in-law and a sister-in-law all died from the disease — and in 2011, a friend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer. That year, we formed a team for the Relay For Life of Temple City, which is just outside of Pasadena - and we’ve been doing it ever since.
Nearly all of my family, friends, and co-workers now participate each year. They either walk at the event or support our team financially, including Matt and Heather Jiggins, the owners of Kelley, Jiggins & Associates. They have sponsored our team for each of the past six years, in addition to our agency’s other giving. We’re really lucky to be a part of such a community-minded company.
Cancer survivor Daniela Barragan manages the Relay For Life of Temple City event for the American Cancer Society. She says that in six years, it has raised more than $230,000 – it is awesome to be part of such a fantastic cause! The money raised by the Relay goes toward funding research projects, and providing free services for those affected by cancer, such as rides to treatment, lodging for family members visiting loved ones, and even wigs for chemotherapy patients.
Although it’s great that we are among the top teams who participate in Relay For Life every year, just getting involved in the community on any level is really what matters. I tell everyone to take that first step, because even an hour can make a difference to people who really need help.
Every year, I’m amazed at the impact you can have just by getting a bunch of co-workers and friends together for a common cause. Volunteering is a great way to bring people closer together — and it makes you feel good!
Learn more about these Safeco Change Agent winners:
- Agency employee: Kim Meehan, Kelley, Jiggins & Associates, Pasadena, California
- Nonprofit: American Cancer Society Relay For Life, Temple City, California